Gene Hackman died due to hypertensive atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimers as a significant contributing factor, New Mexico officials confirmed Friday. He was likely alone in the home for about a week, until he died around February 18th, which was the last time activity was recorded on his pacemaker.
His wife, Betsy Arakawa, died due to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, which is transmitted from animals to humans and is commonly found in rodents, the New Mexico Department of Health confirmed. Arakawa’s autopsy determined the manner of death as natural. Authorities believe Arakawa died on about Feb. 11.
Hackman and Arakawa, who were married for more than 30 years, and one of their dogs, were found dead in their Santa Fe home on Feb. 26 by maintenance workers.
Detectives initially described their deaths as “suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation,” according to a search warrant affidavit obtained by Fox News Digital.
Officials confirmed that no external trauma was seen on either Hackman or Arakawa, and New Mexico authorities promptly launched a criminal investigation into their deaths. The case remains open pending autopsy and toxicology results.
Hackman and Arakawa previously tested negative for carbon monoxide, Mendoza confirmed last week. Their residence was tested for the colorless, odorless gas and was cleared by the Santa Fe City Fire Department after authorities were unable to find evidence of a carbon monoxide leak or poisoning.
Additionally, the New Mexico Gas Company confirmed Tuesday “no significant findings” after conducting an extensive investigation for gas leaks and carbon monoxide at the couple’s secluded home.
A “minuscule leak (0.33% gas in air – not a lethal amount) at one of the stove burners” was discovered, according to a release obtained by Fox News Digital. Four code enforcement violations were also noted involving “a water heater and gas log lighters installed in three fireplaces.”
Mendoza confirmed last week that the last recorded activity on Hackman’s pacemaker occurred on Feb. 17. Authorities assumed this was Hackman’s last day alive, as the Oscar winner’s body was not discovered for nine more days.
“According to the pathologist, I think that is a very good assumption that that was his last day of life,” Mendoza said.
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